Abstract
We examined the changes in performance during congested (two matches within a
7-day interval) and non-congested (one match within≥7-day interval)
fixtures in 17 elite football (soccer) referees during 181 official matches.
External demands comprised 20 GPS-based metrics. Internal load was assessed by
heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Compared to non-congested fixtures,
referees decreased their running distance at
21–24 km·h−1
(p=0.027, effect size [ES]=0.41) and
> 24 km·h−1
(p=0.037, ES=0.28), the number of sprints
(p=0.012, ES=0.29), and distance sprinting
(p=0.022, ES=0.29) in congested matches. Most play
metrics were lower in congested versus non-congested fixtures with
low-to-moderate ES. During the 2nd half of non-congested fixtures, referees
covered larger distances at low-speed running (p=0.025,
ES=0.47). Match congestion due to officiating two matches less than a
week apart caused a notable decrease in match running activity in professional
football referees, especially at above
21 km·h−1. These data reiterate the need
for specific conditioning and post-match recovery strategies in high-level
referees to ensure optimal judgment performance favouring the quality of the
competition. Governing bodies should take these outcomes into account when
designating referees for a match.
Key words
soccer - match officials - elite soccer refereeing - fatigue - inertial measurement units - match congestion
